2011 Ram 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 689 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 17 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 28 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 21 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assembly, mountingMar 8, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks currently, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Exposure to environmental conditions such as water mixed with road salt may cause the front fuel tank strap frame "T-Slot" bracket to corrode, possibly causing the fuel tank to drop and make contact with the ground.
If the fuel tank were to drop and contact the ground, a fuel leak may result. Additionally, in the event of a crash, the fuel tank may not remain secured to the vehicle, possibly causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence in an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will bolt a bracket reinforcement to the frame, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U04.
Campaign 18V160000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, column shiftDec 20, 2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 lbs, 2011-2017 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, 2009-2017 Ram 1500 and 2010-2017 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, all equipped with a column shifter. Pushing the brake pedal for prolonged periods when the vehicle is running and in PARK may cause the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) pin to stick in the open position. With the pin in the open position, the transmission can be shifted out of PARK into any gear without pushing the brake pedal or having the key in the ignition.
Being able to shift the transmission without pushing the brake pedal and/or without a key in the ignition can increase the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, inspect the BTSI, and, as necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T79.
Campaign 17V821000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, differential unitFeb 6, 2013
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from February 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through October 20, 2011; model year 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks manufactured from February 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009, and from December 1, 2009, through September 30, 2011; model year 2009 Chrysler Aspen trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008; and model year 2009 Dodge Durango trucks manufactured from January 3, 2008, through December 18, 2008. The rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized pinion spline that can allow relative motion between the nut and companion flange.
If the rear axle pinion nut loosens, the axle can lock up and cause a loss of vehicle control and/or a vehicle crash with little warning.
On November 7, 2013 Chrysler notified owners that dealers would install a pinion nut retainer, free of charge. In July 2015, and under a consent order with NHTSA, the company agreed to offer owners three options for remedying their vehicles: perform the original remedy, offer to repurchase the vehicle at the fair market value plus 10%, or offer an additional incentive offer towards the purchase of a new Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, or Fiat vehicle. Chrysler will notify owners of the new recall options in a letter expected to be mailed on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N08.
Campaign 13V038000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rear, axle, spindleDec 24, 2010
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RAM 1500 TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 2009 THROUGH DECEMBER 2010. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE EXPERIENCE A NOISE (GROWL, GRIND) COMING FROM THE REAR AXLE BEARING WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY SEIZE.
A FAILURE OF THE BEARING COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL INSTALL AN OIL PORT INSERT INTO THE REAR AXLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 10V656000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
689 reports, newest first.
Power train, Mar 5, 2018
MY 2005 DODGE RAM HAD A RECALL FOR REAR PINION ISSUE. NOW I HAVE A 2011 DODGE RAM THAT IS HAVING THE SAME NOISE FROM THE REAR END. HA E HAD IT LOOKED AT BY MULTIPLE MECHANICS AND HAVE BEEN TOLD IT'S THE REAR PINION BEARINGS IN THIS TRUCK AD WELL.
Service brakes, Feb 27, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH BRAKE CALIPERS FAILED AND CAUSED THE ROTORS TO FAIL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 27, 2018
2 YEARS AGO HAD TO REPLACE THE TIPM ON MY TRUCK AND NOE ITS STARTING TO MESS UP AGAIN. TRUCKS JUST DIES WHILE DRIVING NO WARNING. IT JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE I HAVE TO REPLACE IT AGAIN. IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. IT COST ME 1500.00 TO REPAIR
Engine, Feb 18, 2018
L BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND SHIFTED TO DRIVE THE TRUCK SHUT DOWN. THIS HAPPENED A COUPLE OF TIMES AND NOW IT SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING AT 35 - 40 MPH.
Engine, Feb 17, 2018
ENGINE LIFTERS. I HAVE A 2011 DODGE RAM 1500 I NOTICED A TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. UPON A FREE DIAGNOSTICS TEST I WAS TOLD MY TRUCK HAS LIFTER FAILURE. THE ENGINE STALLS IN TRAFFIC HARD TO START QUOTE TO FIX $3500 TO FIX. IF I LIVED IN A BIGGER CITY I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A WRECK BY NOW BECAUSE IT ISN'T DRIVABLE IT STALLS OUT NO POWER STEERING HARD TO TURN BRAKES ARE HARD TO PUSH SOMETIMES IT TAKES A WHILE TO START BACK UP I WOULDN'T WANT TO BE ON A BUSY HIGH WAY. THIS ISN'T JUST A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS ACTION.
Other or unspecified, Feb 16, 2018
MY TRUCK WOULD NOT START HAD IT DIAGNOSED. FOUND IT WAS ACOMMON PROBLEM. THE TIPM PART# RL692319AJ FOUND TO COST 900.00 CRAZY. IT WAS FOUND TO BE TO COMMON OF PROBLEM NOT TO BE ON A RECALL .......................I WOULD LIKE SOMEONE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCH AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR.
Engine, Feb 16, 2018
WE PURCHASED A 2011 RAM 1500 5.7L HEMI IN 2012 AND LOVED IT UP UNTIL NOVEMBER 2017, WENT IN TO POWER SAVING MODE WITH CEL ON. SCANNED CODES AND IT WAS TIMING CODE. SO WE REPLACED THE VVT SOLENOID AND IT IS RUNNING EVEN WORSE! WE H AVE SPENT OVER $2500 JUST TRYING TO DIAGNOSE THIS TRUCK! WE ARE BEYOND UPSET ABOUT IT, ESPECIALLY DUE TO THE FACT THAT WE DONT EVEN HAVE IT PAID OFF! IT HAS TONS WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT OF TAIL PIPE, TERRIBLE MISFIRE, SHAKING, BLOW BY, PRESSURE COMING OUT OF OIL FILL CAP, AND CEL IS ON. HAS CYLINDER 1 MI SFIRE. WE HAVE REDONE THE SPARK PLUGS, INTAKE MANIFOLD AND GASKETS, PCV, VVT SOLENOID,AIR FILTER, OIL FILTER, COIL PACK,INJECTOR CLIPS, AND MUCH MORE! HAVE TAKEN THIS TRUCK TO 4 ASE CERTIFIED MECHANICS (2 OF WHICH ARE CHRYSLER DEALERSHIPS) AND HAVE NO ANSWERS BESIDES POSSIBLE CAUSES CAMS AND LIFTERS AND THEY WANT ME TO JUST BUY ANOTHER ENGINE!! OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE PISTONS,RINGS, CAM,LIFTERS, AND CRANK. $2500 PLUS IN JUST DIAGNOSING AND NO ANSWERS?! SEEMS PRETTY FISHY!
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 13, 2018
FUEL SPITS-BACK ON SIDE OF VEHICLE AND GROUND WHILE FILLING TANK. HAPPENS BOTH ON AUTOMATIC FILL, BOTH SLOW AND FAST FILL, AND ALSO WHEN MANUALLY FILLING TANK. HAPPENS JUST AS THE BACK PRESSURE SENSOR ON THE SERVICE STATION GAS PUMP TRIPS OFF WHEN TANK IS NEARING FULL. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED IN DECEMBER 2016 WITH APPROXIMATELY 55,000 MILES. THE SPIT BACK DID NOT START UNTIL RECENTLY, APPROXIMATELY NOVEMBER 2017. HAPPENS EVERY TIME TANK IS FILLED NOW. IF MANUALLY STOP NOZZLE BEFORE TANK IS FULL IT DOES NOT HAPPEN.
Power train, Feb 12, 2018
REAR END BEARING NOISE WHILE HIGHWAY DRIVING. REFERENCE PREVIOUS RECALLS FOR 2011 RAM 1500 FOR REAR BEARING FAILURE CAUSING AXLE TO LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING. POTENTIAL CRASH HAZARD FROM LOSS OF CONTROL. HOWEVER THIS VIN IS APPARENTLY NOT COVERED BY RECALL!!
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Feb 10, 2018, crash
TAKATA RECALL I [XXX] MADE A REPORT IN FEBRUARY 2014 ABOUT MY DODGE RAM 1500 I REPORT ABOUT MY AIR BAGS DID NOT WORK WHEN MY HUSBAND HAD WRECK BY FALLING ASLEEP ON THE INTERSTATE GOING TO WORK WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON AND HE HIT A BIG TRUCK ,YES HE HIT THE STEER WHEEL, BUT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT WORK, DID 15,000 DOLLARS DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK, THIS TRUCK IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE,WE WHERE OFFER THE BUY BACK PROGRAM AND WE TOLD THE DODGE COMPANY YES TAKE THIS TRUCK CAUSE IT IS NOT SAFE BUT THEY SAID WE WHERE UPSIDE ON THE AMOUNT WE OWE,WE RISK OUR LIVES WITH THIS TRUCK EVERYDAY ,THIS HAS ALSO HAS A LOT OF ELECTRIC PROBLEM INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Power train, Air bags, Feb 1, 2018
TAKATA RECALL, I HAVE RECEIVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL STATING I NEEDED MY AIRBAG REPLACED BUT AFTER NOTIFYING THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT I WAS TOLD THAT I DO NOT HAVE ANY ACTIVE RECALLS AT THE PRESENT TIME. THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAKING NOISE FOR SOME TIME DESPITE ALSO BEING TOLD THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE SPECIFIC YEAR THAT I HAVE PURCHASED. LAST BUT NOT LEAST THERE IS A CONSTANT BATTLE WITH THE REAR SUSPENSION OF THE VEHICLE. THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE HAVE UPPER AND LOWER MOUNT BARS BUT THE RUBBER GIVES AWAY IN THE PART WHICH CAUSES A SWAY THAT MAKES YOU LOOSE CONTROL TRAVELING OVER 50MPH WITHOUT TOWING A LOAD. I HAVE BEEN REDUCED TO NOT USING THIS VEHICLE ON THE EXPRESSWAY. ALSO TO DATE THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN GIVEN A FULL OVERHALL AS OF LAST YEAR. AT THE TIME THERE WERE 120,000 MILES ON THE POWER TRAIN
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 24, 2018
VEHICLE WILL STALL WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING (STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP AND BRAKE PEDAL BECOME HARD), THE FUEL PUMP RELAY LOCATED WITH IN THE (TIPM) FAILS CAUSES VEHICLE NOT TO START OR RUN, ELECTRICAL ISSUES SUCH AS; SOME LIGHTS WORKING EVERY NOW AND THEN, CIGARETTE LIGHTER BLOWING FUSE,
Power train, Jan 24, 2018
ENGINE LOST COMPRESSION VALVES CAUSED A LOT OF DAMAGE TO ENG. HAVE TO REPLACE ENG
Electrical system, Jan 13, 2018
MY VEHICLE WILL NOT CRANK ALL THE TIME. THE BOX UNDER THE HOOD IS GOING OUT AND IT CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. OUR MECHANIC CAN NOT FIND THE REPLACEMENT PART. WE OUT NEW STARTER BATTERY AND FUEL PUMP ON IT. IT CAUSED THE FUEL PUMP TO RUN WITHOUT A KEY.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jan 3, 2018
IN AUGUST 2017 A DEFECTIVE ROLLER BEARING WENT OUT WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, EFFECTIVELY DESTROYING THE INSIDE OF THE ENGINE. COST TO REPAIR WAS $4,000. IN DECEMBER 2017 TIPM POWER MODULE MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING HEADLIGHTS TO NOT WORK. COST TO REPLACE $1,150. BOTH ITEMS HAVE THOUSANDS OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ABOUT BEING DEFECTIVE.
Electrical system, Dec 30, 2017
MY TRUCK WILL NOT CRANK SOMETIMEA. I PUT A NEW STARTER AND NEW BATTERY ON IT AND IT WORKS FOR A WHILE AND THEN STOPS. ONE TIME THE FUEL PUMP RAN WITH THE TRUCK TURNED OFF MY SERVICE MAN SAYS IT'S THE COMPUTER BOX AND THIS MORNING IT WOULD NOT CRANK AT ALL. THIS PART IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND HARD TO FIND, FROM WHAT I'VE READ THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL.
Electrical system, Dec 26, 2017
TTOTALLY INTERGRAED POWER MODULE (TIPM) RECALL ON THE DODGE RAM 2011 THE BATTERY KEEPS DRAINING OVER NIGHT STATIONARY PARK IN DRIVEWAY.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 18, 2017
VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING WHILE DRIVING ENDANGERING PREGNANT GIRLFRIEND AS THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING NOR WAS THERE POWER BRAKES. AFTER MANY TESTS IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE A FAULTY TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE, ALSO KNOWN AS A TIPM. THIS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FAILURE HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO A RECALL ON JEEP AND CHRYSLER VEHICLES DUE TO THE SAME COMPONENT FAILING. SHE WAS DRIVING DOWN A TWO LANE CITY HIGHWAY, LET OFF THE GAS, AND LOST ALL POWER.
Engine, Dec 18, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 RAM 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER 20 MIN. THE LOCAL DEALER, SOUTH HILL CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FIAT 3344 WASHINGTON ROAD, MCMURRAY, PA 15317 WAS CONTACTED, THEY SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000.
Engine, Dec 15, 2017
ENGINE IS LOOSING POWER, NUMBER 3 CYCLINDER IS NOT WORKING. I HAVE DONE TUNE UP AND REPLACED PLUGS AND COILS. I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS ON THIS TRUCK TO GET IT TO WORK. THE PIC IS PLUGS FROM #3 CYC AFTER 2 MONTHS USE. AFTER READING ABOUT OTHER RAM OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM I AM THINKING IT IS A DEFECT AND SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Visibility/wiper, Dec 5, 2017
MY TRUCK FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW HAS BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM NOT WORKING PROPERLY. OVER TIME IT HAS GOT A LOT WORSE I WENT THROUGH AND REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP WITH THE ORIGINAL PUMP AND STILL HASN'T HELPED. THROUGH RESEARCH I WAS ABLE TO NARROW IT DOWN TO A TIPM ISSUE. NOT ONLY IS IT AFFECTING MY FUEL SYSTEM BUT ALSO THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL AT RANDOM GO UP A FEW INCHES WHEN UNLOCKING THE TRUCK OR OPENING THE DOOR. THE FUEL SYSTEM ISSUE IS WHEN I GO TO START IT WILL JUST CRANK CONSTANTLY AND NOT START TO NOW I MIGHT GET IT STARTED AFTER A FEW ATTEMPTS BUT THEN IT JUST STALLS AFTER A SECOND OF RUNNING. IT HAS ALSO AT TIME WHILE DRIVING JUST RANDOMLY STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD CREATING A HAZARD OF A ACCIDENT. I SEE THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITHIN THESE TRUCKS BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR THE ISSUE. I HAVE HAD TO RECENTLY PULL THE FUSE EVERY TIME I PARK FOR A PERIOD OF TIME TO PREVENT THE FUEL PUMP FROM CONSTANTLY RUNNING AND KILLING MY BATTERY WHICH HAPPENED JUST THE OTHER DAY. BACK IN AUGUST I HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW BATTERY DUE TO THE OTHER ONE DYING ON ME I BELIEVE DUE TO THE FUEL PUMP TIPM ISSUE.
Engine, Nov 28, 2017
TRUCK HAS 76K MILES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON CODED MISFIRE CYL #5 NO PROBLEM CHANGED PLUGS. STILL ON . CHANGED COIL STILL ON . DROVE TO WORK NEXT MORNING RUNNING VERY RUFF VERY POOR MILEAGE. MECHANIC PICKED UP THE TRUCK. CALLED ME BACK 1HR OR SO LATER LIFTER STUCK NOT OPENING VALVE ON CYL 5 COMPLETELY.RESEARCH ONLINE SHOW THIS TO BE A VERY COMMON DEFECT FOR THIS YR MAKE N MODEL 5.7HEMI. WHAT IS WORSE IS THAT THE MANUFACTURE HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT IT . SOME DEALERS WONT EVEN BOTHER TO LOOK AT THE ISSUE. NO VEHICLE SHOULD GO FROM SIMPLE MISFIRE CODE TO CATOSTROPHIC FAILURE LIKE THAT . AND NO DEALER SHOW ALLOW ITS CUSTOMERS TO SUFFER THE LOSSES FOR THERE NEGLIGENCE ......... IF YOU GOOGLE RAM MISFIRE THIS IS WHAT YOU WILL FIND , AND NOT ONE STORY WILL IT BE DO TO A SPARK PLUG OR A COIL. CATOSTROPHIC CAM AND LIFTER FAILURE REPAIR COST RANGE FROM 3800-6000 NOT INCLUDING LOSS OF WORK OR TIME.
Other or unspecified, Nov 26, 2017, crash
THE TIPM FAILED ON THE RAM 1500 2011. THIS PART SHOULD BE RECALLED AND CORRECTED ON ALL RAM MODELS. THE FAILURE CAUSED 1) THE TRUCK TO LUNGE FORWARD AND HIT MY HOUSE, 2) THE TRUCK TO NOT START WHICH CAUSED THE BATTERY TO BE REPLACE, THE FUEL PUMP TO BE REPLACED, AND FINALLY THE TIPM TO BE REPLACED.
Engine, Nov 21, 2017
FIRST I NOTICED A TICK IN THE ENGINE WHEN STARTING IT COLD. TURNED OUT TO BE BROKEN EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS AND CRACKED MANIFOLDS ON BOTH SIDES. PASSENGER SIDE WAS WORSE. WAS REPLACED WITH GRADE 8 BOLTS AND NEW MANIFOLDS AND GASKETS. NOW I HAVE A DIAGNOSED LIFTER FAILURE AT 58,000 MILES AND IT IS ONLY GETTING LOUDER. IT HONESTLY SOUNDS LIKE A SPUN CAM SEAL AND FLAT LIFTER IN MY EXPERIENCE. DODGE WILL NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM AS I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE OUT OF POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. MANY MORE ARE HAVING THE SAME EXACT ISSUE WITH LIFTER FAILURE. IT IS KNOCKING HARD. THIS IS THE DESCRIBED "HEMI" TICK. THE CAMSHAFTS AND LIFTERS ARE LOW GRADE MATERIAL IN THIS MODEL. I HAVE REPORTS OF DIAGNOSIS IF NEEDED.
Structure, Nov 16, 2017
PASSENGER SIDE FACTORY INSTALLED "DODGE" STEP BAR FELL OFF THE TRUCK AS MY 90LBS. DAUGHTER STEPPED IN. AS HER & THE STEP BAR WENT CRASHING TO THE GROUND SHE BANGED HER ELBOW REALLY HARD ON THE DOOR LATCH STRIKER. COMPONENT IS HELD TO THE INNER ROCKER PANEL OF THE TRUCKS CAB WITH 6 EXPANDING RIVET NUTS THAT HAVE VERY LITTLE SURFACE CONTACT AREA. IT APPEARS THAT THE STEEL OF THE INNER ROCKER HAS FATIGUED OVER TIME & CRACKED. THE CRACKS ALLOWED THE METAL TO CONICALLY DEFORM TO THE POINT WHERE THE RIVET NUTS WERE ABLE TO POP OUT OF THE BODY. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE IF IT HAD BEEN AN ELDERLY PERSON ON THE STEP BAR INSTEAD OF A RESILIENT MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUNGSTER.